The Weyburn Soccer Association was announced as the Member Organization of the Year, during the Saskatchewan Soccer Association virtual awards, held live on Facebook on March 31.
“Weyburn Soccer was nominated for member organization of the year along with ASTRA Soccer Academy from Saskatoon. We considered it just an honour to be nominated with a club like ASTRA, so when they announced the winners were Weyburn Soccer Association, we were ecstatic and speechless,” said Jason Roy, from the Weyburn Soccer Association.
“This award is not just for our executive, this award is for our community. WSA would not be where we are today if it were not for our members past and present, athletes, families, sponsors, City of Weyburn, and the media for always supporting us year after year,” added Roy. This was the first year Sask Soccer Association handed out this award.
The past year was a challenging one for the WSA, due to the restrictions that were put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We continued to work hard at developing a Return to Play plan that had to be scored by Canada Soccer. After receiving a low risk score, we returned to the pitch offering programs at no cost to our participants and help our community get back on the field,” said Roy. “The programs were offered to all ages ranging from two to 18 years of age. these programs included our Little Kicks, youth training and our all abilities. Athletes and their families safety became our main priority while delivering quality programing.”
During the winter, the WSA were in search of a facility to host their winter programs and were able to secure a spot at the All Sports Training Centre. They held programs that were designed to facilitate all of the age groups and abilities in an individualized style training.
“With Zoom becoming part of our everyday, WSA created a segment called ‘Off The Pitch’. This allowed us to have guest speakers to give presentation on soccer tactics to nutrition to mindfulness, just to name a few. All of this was able to keep our athletes engaged and ready for spring,” said Roy.
Their 2021 spring registration was just completed during the month of March, and they had over 400 children, ranging from ages two to 18 years, sign up and who are excited for the upcoming season.
“WSA is at this time uncertain what our season will look like, but I will assure you we will adjust our programs with the safety of everyone in mind. the season starts May 3rd and runs until June 24th,” said Roy.
“If coaching is something you are interested in, WSA is always looking for new mentors to work with our players and will provide the training needed to get you the confidence to be on the pitch.”
The fact that the new Credit Union Sparks Centre should be available for public use this fall is another exciting future for the Weyburn Soccer Association. “With the FIFA half-pitch turf field, we will be able to offer the same style of programming as we do in the spring. This will give us the opportunity to be a competitive soccer club all year round as we already have outside clubs asking to play our teams,” said Roy. “Please watch as we get closer the opening of the Credit Union Spark Centre when WSA will be bringing in new programs for all ages and abilities.”
